The China Golf Association's (CGA) ambition to develop the sport to the world's elite level took a major step forward with the launch of the China Amateur Golf Futures Tour (GFT) yesterday.

The GFT is a major part of the CGA's efforts to improve the game at the grassroots level.

"It's a tour for all of China's teenage players and amateurs," said Zhang Xiaoning, vice-president of the CGA. "It will be more fundamental than other tournaments in China."